Policymakers across Africa have been urged to simplify visa policies to align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This comes as the restrictive nature of current visa requirements, has been highlighted in the Africa Visa Openness Report 2024, to continue to limit the free movement of people across borders. The development, therefore, undermines the continent’s vision of economic integration and shared prosperity. Reducing these barriers could unlock significant economic potential and create opportunities for millions.
The report, jointly published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Commission (AUC), reveals that 47% of intra-African travel still requires pre-approved visas.
This has a direct impact on intra-African trade, which accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade volume, far below Europe’s 68% and Asia’s 58%.
Simplifying visa policies is not just a bureaucratic adjustment but a critical step toward realizing the AfCFTA’s goals of creating a unified, dynamic, and competitive African market.
Some African countries have already demonstrated the benefits of progressive visa policies. Countries like Benin, Rwanda, Seychelles, and The Gambia now offer visa-free access to all African nationals, leading the way in promoting ease of travel.
Angola and Sierra Leone have also implemented visa-on-arrival systems, simplifying processes and encouraging cross-border interactions.
However, the majority of countries are yet to take meaningful steps, leaving many Africans facing high costs, delays, and uncertainty when attempting to travel within the continent.
The call for action extends beyond policymakers. Citizens are encouraged to advocate for better travel policies by engaging with leaders and supporting campaigns that highlight the economic and social benefits of simplified visas.
It is considered that as barriers to movement fall, businesses will expand, students will access new opportunities, and professionals will collaborate more effectively, driving innovation and growth.
Simplified visa policies are considered to be fundamental to achieving the goals of AfCFTA and Agenda 2063. Removing these barriers would not only boost trade and investment but also foster a stronger sense of unity and shared purpose among African nations.
